Simmons Hanly Conroy, LLC, a national mesothelioma law firm, and the Metro Tri Club are pleased to announce the 7th Annual Alton Miles for Meso 5K Race & 2K Fun Run to benefit the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO). The race is scheduled to take place Sept. 26, which is also National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. Early registration is now open.

"Last year, the Alton Miles for Meso race raised a record-breaking $30,000 for ADAO," said Todd Adamitis, chief operating officer of Simmons Hanly Conroy. "We are excited to again support this great charity that does so much to help victims of asbestos-related diseases, including many of our clients."

ADAO is an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to banning asbestos and supporting victims of asbestos-related diseases through education, advocacy and community. ADAO was co-founded by Linda Reinstein and Doug Larkin in 2004 after their loved ones were diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of their asbestos exposure. Reinstein said ADAO looks forward to joining the racers and volunteers again for the Alton Miles for Meso race.

"Last year it was moving to see so many people support mesothelioma patients on race day, including 700 runners and walkers and nearly 100 people from around the country who registered as virtual participants," Reinstein said. "Events like Miles for Meso allow us to put a face on the asbestos man-made disease as we work to prevent exposure and shape policy. As we say at ADAO, 'Hear Asbestos. Think Prevention.'"

Mesothelioma, an incurable cancer, and other asbestos-related diseases kill 12,000 to 15,000 Americans each year, according to a 2015 report by the Environmental Working Group that reviewed population data from the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention. Though it is a heavily regulated substance, asbestos is not banned in the United States despite being classified as a human carcinogen in 1976 by the International Agency for Research on Cancer.

The Miles for Meso race also will include the ADAO Mesothelioma Warrior Team that will honor mesothelioma survivors or victims via Miles for Meso commemorative race bibs worn by runners of the Alton race in honor or in memory of the warrior. (Click to submit a name to the Virtual Team.)

"Last year, the ADAO Mesothelioma Warrior Virtual Team allowed us to connect with runners and families from 17 states and four countries from around the world to raise asbestos and mesothelioma awareness," Reinstein said.

Race day festivities will begin at 7:30 a.m. on Sept. 26 at Simmons Hanly Conroy's national headquarters, 1 Court Street, across from Marquette High School. Activities include a kids' game zone, a dog adoption event hosted by Hope Rescues, a vendor fair representing local businesses and charities, and more. In addition, Jordan Zevon, ADAO spokesperson and son of Grammy-winning singer/songwriter Warren Zevon, will give a special performance in honor of his father who passed away from mesothelioma in 2003.

The 5K race and 2K run/walk will start at 9 a.m. The top five overall men and women finishers in the 5K race will win cash prizes: first place, $500; second place, $250; third place, $200; fourth place, $100; and the fifth place male and female runners, $50 each. Custom Miles for Meso medals will be awarded to the first, second and third place finishers in 5-year age groups. The top fundraising team and individual will also be recognized.

"The Alton Miles for Meso race is always a great event for individuals, runners and families," Adamitis added. "We invite everyone to come out and help make a difference in the lives of people who have been harmed by asbestos."

Registration costs $25 through Aug. 31, $30 from Sept. 1 to Sept. 21 and $35 Sept 22 through race day. Online registration closes Sept. 22. Race day registration is also available on-site starting at 7:30 a.m. Everyone who registers will receive a long-sleeved, technical race shirt and a goody bag from sponsors.

Individuals who cannot attend on race day, but still want to show their support, may register for the virtual race and receive a race shirt. Virtual race participants in the United States who register by Aug. 31 will receive their shirts in time to wear them on Sept. 26. Participants can also create their own team to help raise money for ADAO during the online registration process.

Miles for Meso is an initiative of the Simmons Mesothelioma Foundation that was established in 2009 to raise funds and awareness for mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Miles for Meso races have been held across the country from Virginia to Florida to Washington State and beyond. Together, Miles for Meso events have raised over $400,000 to benefit mesothelioma research and awareness.

SIMMONS HANLY CONROY, headquartered in Alton, Ill., is one of the country's leading asbestos and mesothelioma law firms. With offices in New York, California, Illinois and Missouri, the firm has represented thousands of patients and families affected by mesothelioma throughout the country. The firm has pledged over $20 million to cancer research and proudly supports mesothelioma medical researchers throughout the country in their search for improved treatment options and a cure. For more information, visit http://www.simmonsfirm.com.